Genetic association studies have identified many genetic variants associated with common diseases such as coronary heart disease. Using the data from these studies it is possible to construct genetic scores which associate with an individuals risk of developing that disease. However, the mechanisms by which genetic variation leads to disease is often not well understood. We are interested in understanding whether natural changes in DNA chemistry (DNA methylation) are involved in the mechanisms of disease. The proposed project will test genetic risk scores to determine whether they associate with patterns in DNA methylation. If such associations exist we can apply causal analysis techniques to determine whether such changes are involved in causing disease or are simply markers of other disease processes.